A magical evening was had by many! Some 1200-1500 visitors walked the grounds of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry on Halloween night in downtown San Jose. They got a chance to interact with Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor Umbridge, Professor Severus Snape, Hagrid, Hermione, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, Mad Eye Moody and more! Guests were welcomed ‘into’ Hogwarts where they were given treats and were given a rare glimpse at moving portraits, horcruxes and other treasures of the magical world. Outside the castle, adventurous individuals pushed their carts through the barrier at Platform 9 ¾ and used the Aurasma app to see buttons and posters come to life. Thanks to all those who came by!
Here are some photos from the evening!
Hogwarts is ready for visitors!
The crest of Hogwarts hangs above the cathedral-like main entrance to Hogwarts.
Located on the Hogwarts grounds, Hagrid’s house appears to be getting ready for Halloween.
The doors are open to all. Welcome to Hogwarts!
Winged boars stationed atop stone columns flank the entrance path to Hogwarts.
Guests walk the grounds of Hogwarts. Hermione and Luna Lovegood chat by Hagrid’s house. Professor Dumbledore can be seen in the back.
Professor Dumbledore and Professor Umbridge exchange serious glances as they agree to disagree about how Hogwarts should be run.
Moving portraits of Gilderoy Lockheart, old-timey wizards and witches, Sir Cadogen and the Fat Lady greet visitors as they get their treats inside Hogwarts.
Some of Professor Slughorn’s and Professor Snape’s potions and ingredients can be seen up on a shelf within Hogwarts (also seen: Fizzing Whizbees and miniature dragons from the Tri-Wizard Tournament)
The Tri-Wizard Cup glows in an alcove within Hogwarts.
Some of Hogwart’s best students take a photo with Professor Dumbledore (Herminone, Luna Lovegood, Cho Chang, Hermione)
Uh oh. It appears Professor Umbridge, Hogwarts High Inquisitor, has posted yet another Educational Decree within the walls of Hogwarts.
Ron Weasley, Harry Potter and Hedwig are ready to face anything that comes their way!
Candles float (magically) within Hogwarts.
The wizarding world can be confusing for Muggles. Thank goodness for signage!
Ancient Hogwarts treasure, the Sorting Hat, watches over the proceedings of Halloween (looks like Slytherin’s locket in the background – horcruxes!)
A rare photo of Hermione, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Umbridge and Cho Chang.
Two amazing Gryffindors!
A Hufflepuff student pushes her cart through the barrier on Platform ¾.
Looking at the “He Who Must Not Be Named Returns” posted newspaper using the Aurasma app, viewers get to see the bricks open up to reveal Diagon Alley and watch as a fire breathing dragon passed by!
Looking at the Sirius Black wanted poster using the Aurasma app on their phones, visitors get to see Sirius thrashing about, resisting his restraints as he is taken away to Azkaban. (Is that the Elder Wand and Marvolo’s ring also in the picture?)
Professor Snape is not pleased. Students keep their distance.
All aboard the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾!
One very clever Ravenclaw visitor demonstrates the Incendio spell as he shoots fire from his wand. Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid stand by admiring his spellwork.
These dedicated witches and wizards were instrumental in welcoming guests, passing out treats and making sure everyone had a magical evening.
Though it seems like it is worlds away, Privet Drive somehow seems to be not that far from Hogwarts.
Strange goings-on were noted as the Dark Mark appeared on the forearms of Death Eaters. Has Voldemort returned?
Welcome to Hogwarts from the Albertsons – Michelle, Grace and Eric.
Tempting the curious, Professor Dumbledore’s pensieve and golden cabinet of memories sits within Hogwarts. (Cabinet crafted by Tram Nguyen)
Members from the (real-life) Quidditch team, the South Bay Blazers, were on hand to introduce visitors to the sport and invite them to participate.
Mad Eye Moody, Hermione and a Hogwarts professor help to distribute treats to visitors.
Professor Umbridge and Hagrid put aside their differences for the evening to take a picture together.
A view from the line leading into Hogwarts.
So many visitors, so many friends! Thanks for coming to Hogwarts!
Halloween 2016 was a magical, memorable time. Thanks to all those who helped build and paint and to those who came to bring it to life!
(Photo credits: Bethany Lewis, Meredith Harmon, Mary-Anne Reyes, Eric Kanemoto, Michelle Albertson, Eric Albertson)
